Causes of a Check Engine Light in Your Lexus

Posted on 5/17/2019

Causes of a Check Engine Light in Your Lexus in Lowell

Lexus is the most popular brand of Japanese-made premium cars. With its sleek chassis and timeless design combined with notorious Japanese innovation and technology, it’s not hard to see why. Offering the top level of luxury and cutting edge systems, Lexus vehicles are designed for the individual who knows quality and is always seeking to elevate their level, not only in their lives and career but in their driving experience also.

While it is doubtless that Lexus vehicles are impeccably designed, wear and tear that comes with time, use, and incorrect maintenance will lead to failing parts. There are warning signs of issues to watch for. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons why the check engine light may illuminate on the dashboard of your Lexus as well as the measures you can implement to both prevent and fix this.

What is the Check Engine Light?

Located and clearly visible on the Lexus’ dashboard, the check engine light is a warning system controlled by the car's onboard computer. Also known as the onboard diagnostic system (OBD), the check engine light will illuminate yellow if the OBD detects a potential issue involving the engine or the connecting systems.

Why is my Check Engine Light Lit?

As the engine is the most integral part of a car and also the most expensive, the check engine light is designed to alert drivers of issues as soon as they happen, to reduce the risk of irrevocable damage or accidents involved with engine issues. There are many reasons why this light may illuminate and we’ll be looking at the five that are the most common causes.

1) Put a Cap On It! I’m sure all drivers can remember a time they refueled under stressful situations. Rushing to work or with screaming kids in the car can leave you distracted at the pumps. But did you know this might be a cause for the illumination of the check engine light? One of the most simple reasons why this indicator lights up is due to a loose fitting gas cap.

A poorly secured cap can cause fuel vapors to leak, which the OBD will deem to be an engine issue. If your check engine light comes on, it is best to first check your gas cap to save you an inconvenient and unnecessary trip to the mechanic.

2) Oxygen Issues If your Lexus’ oxygen sensor is malfunctioning, then it is likely your car's catalytic converter is under strain. If this is the cause of the warning light on your dashboard, then you’ll need to take your Lexus to a professional technician as soon as possible.

3) Temperamental Spark Plugs While not a common issue for many newer cars, it is recommended that your vehicle's spark plugs are replaced or serviced every 25,000 miles. Therefore, if you use your vehicle for work involving heavy travel miles, this could be the reason behind an illuminated check engine light. As with point two above, if you think this is the most probable cause, you’ll need to schedule a checkup with your trusted repair shop.

4) MAF Maladies A faulty mass airflow sensor (MAF sensor) will also cause the illumination of the check engine light. Combined with other symptoms such as lowered fuel economy and increased emissions, this is a repair job that is also best left to the professionals.

5) Catalytic Catastrophe

A failed catalytic converter represents the most catastrophic eventuality on this list. Integral to the correct functioning of your Lexus, this system converts highly-toxic gasses produced by the engine into far less toxic emissions.

Sadly, this part can be quite expensive to fix or replace, but it is essential to do so. A car with a catalytic converter that is not functioning is a health hazard to yourself, those around you, as well as the environment.

Seeking Repairs

If you suspect the illuminated check engine light on your dashboard is something more nefarious than the gas cap, then it is strongly advised you seek the aid of a mechanic sooner rather than later. Any problem that could involve the engine is never best ignored and should be treated with the utmost urgency for the well-being of your vehicle as well as the safety of yourself and those around you.

Luckily, if you’re a Lexus driver in the Lowell area, Mechanics Direct will see you safely back on the road in no time. With highly-skilled, certified mechanics and excellent customer service, you’ll drive away happy and with no warning lights on your dashboard to concern you.